Thursday, August 18, 2011

Old Riga

Today the kids were peeved with me most of the day. They wanted to go to the mega bucks aqua park. I wanted to go see Riga and since we went to the zoo yesterday, I insisted on a little history. Well, that went over like a ton of bricks...their protest was not violent, they just wanted to make sure I knew that THEY thought this history business was a waste of everyone's time. Feet dragged, moans and sighs were heard, and then, they put one foot in front of the other and saw Old Riga. I won't say they did it HAPPILY, but they did it without any major incidents. LOL.

Our guide was a Brit who supposedly did "alternative Riga tours" to show you the "real" old Riga. I think that was a euphemism for "Alternative 20 something who needs beer money will show you what few things he knows about Riga." Whatever the case may be, I think we know marginally more than we did before. Marginally. I should have gone with the old white headed Russian dude because he probably had a wealth of knowledge. Maybe I will make the kids go back next time we come. They will be overcome with joy.

Here's a few pics from the day....Old Riga reminds me of the French Quarter in New Orleans, only cleaner, safer, and prettier. LOL. What I mean is, Old Riga appears to be for Riga what the French Quarter is for NOLA....only a small touristy bit of what the city really is. That being said, it was picturesque and despite the pouting, I had a wonderful time taking it all in. If you are coming, it would be a fun way to torment your offspring for an afternoon,

In the town center....pretty church rebuilt to resemble the original

Supposedly this is the place where a Sherlock Holmes was filmed. It's his Baker Street flat!